The Dallas Mavericks are breathing a sigh of relief today after learning Anthony Davis will not require surgery on his injured left hand. While he may not return for a while, the 10-time All-Star will still have a trade market ahead of the February 5 deadline.
Despite the slew of injuries Davis has dealt with over the last couple of seasons, contenders that need rim protection and interior scoring will be willing to take a chance on the big man this year. As scouts told The Athletic recently, “Every team in the East believes they’re an Anthony Davis away from making the finals.”
One team that has been linked to Davis for months? The Toronto Raptors. In a new trade proposal, CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn has Davis going north of the border in exchange for some highly valuable assets.
Here’s the full trade proposal:
- Mavericks receive: RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl, Ochai Agbaji, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round (protected 1-4)
- Raptors receive: Anthony Davis, Dante Exum
Who says yes to this deal? Who says no? Let’s see it through and find out:
Why Dallas Mavericks Make This Trade
If you’re the Mavericks, this is exactly the kind of return you’re looking for: a combination of high-upside players and draft picks within the next three years, all of which helps you mold your team around Cooper Flagg.
Barrett, a three-level scorer, would pair nicely with the potential Rookie of the Year on the wing, and he has one more year left on his contract, giving Dallas some flexibility if the two don’t mesh. The Mavericks are also looking to trade away Daniel Gafford, and Poeltl would become his replacement opposite Dereck Lively II next year.
The draft picks coming back in the deal would certainly help Dallas. The Mavericks would add another first round selection this year and recoup one for 2028. The Nico Harrison era would officially be over then, with Luka Doncic ultimately netting Flagg — who could be rounding into an MVP candidate in a couple of years — and two additional first round picks. Maybe time will heal the pain of Mavericks fans following the most infamous trade in league history (probably not).
Why Toronto Raptors Make This Trade
The Raptors need an upgrade at the center position to truly compete for a championship, and there is no better player on the market this year who can provide it than Davis.
If everything goes right, the 14-year veteran could have a Kawhi Leonard-type effect for Toronto, as he is both an elite scorer and elite defender at his best. With Davis playing next to breakout star Scottie Barnes and former All-Star Brandon Ingram, the Raptors would have as formidable a front court as any in the Eastern Conference.
Giving up Barrett, an Ontario native, and multiple first round picks is not ideal, but it’s the price of doing business this year for a superstar. The Raptors just have to hope Davis returns in time for the postseason and can stay on the court once they get there (which recent history suggests is far from a sure thing).
Mavericks Trade Proposal Sends Anthony Davis To East Contender